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This study examined couples’ ratings of self and partner physical attractiveness. On the basis of the theory of positive illusions, it was expected that individuals would rate their partners as more attractive than their partners would rate themselves. Both members of 93 heterosexual couples, with a mean relationship length of about 14 years, provided ratings of both their own and their partner's physical attractiveness. Results support the theory that individuals hold positive illusions about their partner's physical attractiveness. Implications of these results in terms of relationship-enhancing biases are discussed.

During their relationship partners will frequently uncover sources of negativity and conflict that may threaten feelings of security by raising the fear that one's partner really isn’t the ‘right’ person after all (e.g., Murray, 1999). Such doubts are troublesome because negativity typically surfaces when partners’ hopes are already invested in their relationships (e.g., Miller, Niehuis, & Huston, 2006). In order to reach some sort of cognitive resolution between their hopes and doubts and to sustain a sense of felt security, partners often weave an elaborate story (or fiction) that both embellishes a partner's virtues and minimizes his or her faults (e.g., Miller et al., 2006; Murray, Holmes, & Griffin, 1996a). Several studies have, for instance, found that individuals often rate their partner positively on characteristics such as ‘kind’ and ‘intelligent’, a phenomenon that has been called ‘positive illusions’ (e.g., Murray & Holmes, 1997; Murray et al., 1996a). By means of positive illusions partners enhance their sense of security, overstate the case of commitment, and derogate alternative partners, stabilizing their long-term bond (Murray, 1999).